Method and system for two-dimensional interferometric radiometry

ABSTRACT

A method and system are disclosed for imaging a planetary surface region of interest (ROI). In a primary application, a plurality of space vehicles having antennas mounted thereupon are utilized to collect thermal radiation emitted from the ROI and generate corresponding thermal emission signals. Such thermal emission signals may be combined to yield one or more simple interferometric fringes. The simple fringes may be employed to yield a pixel image of the ROI. In one aspect, one or more simple interferometric fringes may be utilized to generate one or more compound interferometric fringes for use in formation of the pixel image. One or more compound fringes may be utilized to generate additional levels of compound fringes for use in formation of the pixel image. In another aspect, the space vehicles may be positioned in a “near-field” imaging arrangement relative to the ROI and a matched filtering approach may be utilized for extracting amplitude data from the interferometric fringe(s) on a basis for use in pixel image formation.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/169,484, filed Dec. 7, 1999, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/219,157, filed Jul. 19, 2000, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to imaging systems in which two or more complex signals of a region of interest may be combined to yield one or more interferometric images. More particularly, the invention is directed to a method and system for two-dimensional radiometric imaging of a planetary surface region of interest utilizing thermal radiation emitted by the region of interest.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Computed imaging systems are utilized in a wide variety of applications. Of particular interest here is the use of radio frequency antennas to collect complex signals employable to obtain high quality images of planetary surfaces.

[0004] Such complex images are typically obtained by overhead transmission/reflected receipt of pulses of energy at a predetermined frequency. In the latter regard, microwave radiation has been advantageously employed due to its ability to yield high resolution images in virtually all weather conditions and at all times (i.e., day and night).

[0005] While such systems have been utilized with success, they require the use of radiation signal transmission payloads on one or more aircraft or satellites (i.e., “space vehicles”). As may be appreciated, such transmission payloads add significant weight, complexity and cost to an imaging system. Additionally, the use of active transmitters entails significant attendant power requirements. Further, the active transmission of microwave signals toward a region of interest is detectable and may be undesired in certain applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In view of the foregoing, a primary objective of the present invention is to provide an improved imaging system and method that reduces imaging componentry payload and complexity on space vehicles utilized to collect imaging data. Related objectives are to reduce on-board power requirements and componentry costs associated with the obtainment of imaging data on space-borne vehicles.

[0007] Another important objective of the present invention is to provide a radiometric imaging system and method that is passive in nature and thereby avoids the active transmission of energy signals to an image region of interest to form a pixel image thereof.

[0008] An additional main objective of the present invention is to provide an imaging system and method that reduces the number of space vehicles and associated antennas necessary for generating high-resolution images.

[0009] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an imaging system and method that provides high-resolution images in inclement weather and day/night conditions.

[0010] The above objectives and additional advantages are realized by the present invention. To do so, the present inventors have recognized that even though thermal emissions from a planetary surface region of interest are of random phase and amplitude, such emissions may be assumed to be largely isotropic and mutually coherent at a receiving antenna (e.g., as received or time-shifted), and may be collected and processed in a manner that allows such randomness to be effectively removed. Relatedly, it has been recognized that thermal radiation collection and processing can be carried out in a manner that reduces the number of antennas necessary to yield high-resolution images. At the outset it should be noted that while the present invention is particularly apt for radiometric imaging applications, certain aspects may also be employable in active imaging arrangements.

[0011] The inventive system contemplates a plurality of space vehicles located in known relative positions over a planetary surface region of interest (ROI). At least a corresponding plurality of antennas are mounted on the space vehicles to collect radiation emissions from the ROI (e.g., thermal or blackbody radiation) and provide corresponding thermal emission signals. In turn, processor means (e.g., one or more signal processors) may be utilized (e.g., either on-board the space vehicles and/or more preferably at another location) to combine the thermal emission signals and obtain interferometric fringe signals employable to form a pixel image of the ROI. As will be appreciated, the formation and use of interferometric fringes effectively removes phase randomness from the collected signals.

[0012] In one aspect of the invention, the space vehicles may be spaced at different relative distances therebetween, wherein the collection antennas collectively define a “sparse aperture”. For such purposes, the space vehicles may be located so that two or more of the antennas are horizontally and/or vertically offset from each other in relation to the imaged ROI during imaging. Such an arrangement allows the thermal emission signals obtained by the antennas to be processed in varying combinations, wherein each combination yields a different interferometric phase measurement based upon a corresponding different interferometric baseline. As such, the multiple different interferometric phase measurements can effectively “fill-in” an array of interferometric images employable in pixel image formation for the ROI. As will be appreciated, the differential spacing of antennas to collectively define a sparse aperture facilitates reduction of the overall number of space vehicles required to yield high-resolution ROI images.

[0013] In a further aspect of the invention, the space vehicles may be positioned in a “nearfield” imaging arrangement to collect thermal emissions from an ROI. That is, the space vehicles may be positioned so that the imaging center axes for at least two of the antennas define an angle θ of at least about 2° therebetween, and more preferably about 2° and 15° therebetween, depending upon the collection center frequency of the antennas. In the latter regard, the antennas may be provided to collect thermal emissions over a collection bandwidth of between about 1 MHz and 1 GHz with a center frequency of between about 1 GHz and 100 GHz. The establishment of a near-field imaging arrangement also facilitates the obtainment of high-resolution ROI images.

[0014] In one arrangement, a plurality of antennas may be mounted on a corresponding plurality of satellites located in a known constellation passing over an ROI to be imaged. More particularly, two or more satellites may be located in corresponding repeatable orbits having relatively small differences in eccentricity and/or inclination (e.g., Hill's orbits), wherein the corresponding antennas are horizontally and/or vertically offset in a known geometry relative to the ROI for imaging. By way of example, four satellites may be positioned in known orbits to laterally define a repeatable Y-shaped pattern for sparse aperture imaging. Further, at least two of the satellites may be positioned so that the center imaging axes of the corresponding antennas mounted thereupon define an angle of about 2° to 15° therebetween, thereby yielding a near-field imaging arrangement. In earth imaging applications, the satellites may be disposed in low-earth orbits, wherein the satellites are placed at altitudes and spacings consistent with near-field operations.

[0015] In conjunction with noted aspects of the present invention, it should be recognized that the antennas should be provided in a spotlight mode (e.g., via gimbaled mounting) so that they remain pointed at an imaged ROI during an imaging, or “dwell”, time period. Further in this regard, the antennas should be provided to collect thermal emissions from overlapping portions of the ROI in a substantially simultaneous manner to maintain mutual coherence. In turn, the thermal emissions collected from the ROI at each of the antennas may be substantially simultaneously sampled at a predetermined frequency (e.g., at least the Nyquist rate) during a given dwell period, thereby yielding an ROI thermal emission data set comprising each thermal emission signal. Such ROI data sets are combinatively employed by the processor means for image formation.

[0016] In the latter regard, and in another general aspect of the present invention, the processor means may be provided to combine, or correlate, at least a first thermal emission signal (e.g., collected by the first antenna) with a complex conjugate of at least a second thermal emission signal (e.g., collected by a second antenna) to obtain at least a first “simple” interferometric fringe signal. As will be appreciated, it is generally preferably to correlate a plurality of different pairs of thermal emission signals to obtain a plurality of different simple interferometric fringe signals. Further, and in order to enhance mutual coherence, it may be desirable in certain applications to time-shift one of the thermal emission signals of a given pair prior to correlation (e.g., in high bandwidth applications).

[0017] After formation, each simple interferometric fringe signal(s) may be low-pass filtered to yield a corresponding averaged, or “smoothed”, signals, wherein amplitude randomness is effectively removed. In turn, the processor means may correlate at least the first simple interferometric fringe signal and at least one other signal for the ROI (e.g., obtained/generated pursuant to the corresponding-in-time receipt of thermal emissions from the ROI) to obtain at least one “compound” interferometric fringe signal employable in the formation of a pixel image of the ROI. The signal that is combined with the first simple interferometric fringe signal may be one of a first thermal emission signal, second thermal emission signal or third thermal emission signal (e.g., collected by a third antenna), or perhaps more preferably, a second simple interferometric fringe signal obtained by combining one of the first and second thermal emission signals with a complex conjugate of a third thermal emission signal. As will be appreciated, it is generally preferable to form a plurality of compound interferometric fringe signals for use in image formation.

[0018] By way of example, a first simple interferometric fringe signal (e.g., which correlates thermal emission signals generated by first and second antennas) may be combined with a second simple interferometric fringe signal (e.g., which correlates thermal emission signals generated by third and fourth antennas) to obtain a first compound interferometric fringe signal. Similarly, simple fringe correlations of the first and third thermal emission signals and of the second and fourth thermal emission signals can be further correlated to obtain a second compound interferometric fringe signal. Further, the first and second compound interferometric fringe signals may be further combined in an additional stage. The formation/utilization of simple interferometric fringes and compound interferometric fringes particularly facilitates a sparse aperture imaging arrangement, thereby reducing the number of space vehicles/antennas needed to generate high-resolution images.

[0019] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, the processor means may be provided to extract pixel value (e.g., complex values (i.e., comprising phase and amplitude components) or real amplitude values) from at least one and preferably a plurality of interferometric fringe signals employed for image formation on a per pixel location basis. In turn, the extracted pixel values are employable by the processor means to “develop” the pixel image of the ROI. By way of primary example, for each different interferometric fringe signal employed for ROI pixel image formation, the processor means may provide for the corresponding application of a plurality of different matched filters (e.g., corresponding with each of a plurality of pixel locations for the ROI pixel image to be formed) to obtain a plurality of extracted pixel values in corresponding relation to each of the plurality of pixel locations. In turn, the pixel values corresponding with each given pixel location may be utilized to form an interferometric image signal (e.g., for each interferometric fringe signal employed for image formation). In one arrangement, for each given one of a plurality of interferometric fringe signals employed, the extracted pixel values for each given pixel location may be combined to obtain a corresponding interferometric image signal . The plurality of interferometric image signals corresponding with the plurality of interferometric fringe signals employed may be merged (e.g., via complex summation and/or simple or weighted averaging) to yield the ROI pixel image. The utilization of separate matched filters for each pixel location and each interferometric fringe signal employed facilitates near-field imaging of an ROI as discussed above.

[0020] In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that an inventive method may comprise the steps of collecting thermal emission from a planetary surface region of interest (ROI) by a plurality of spaced antennas to obtain a corresponding plurality of thermal emission signals. Following collection, the method further includes the step of first combining at least a first thermal emission signal with a complex conjugate of at least a second thermal emission signal to obtain at least a first simple interferometric fringe signal. Preferably, a plurality of different simple interferometric fringe signals are formed from different pairs of collected thermal emission signals, wherein the data comprising one of each such pairs may be time-shifted to maintain mutual coherence. Each simple interferometric fringe signal may be low-pass filtered to remove undesired high-frequency components and otherwise yield an averaged signal.

[0021] In one aspect, the inventive method may further comprise the step of second combining at least a first simple interferometric signal with another signal for the ROI (e.g., a signal generated from corresponding-in-time thermal emissions from the ROI) to obtain at least a first compound interferometric fringe signal. In this regard, the second combining step may provide for the combining of one of the first and second thermal emission signals with the complex conjugate of a third thermal emission signal to obtain a second simple interferometric fringe signal. As such, the noted first compound interferometric fringe signal may be generated by combining a first simple interferometric fringe signal with one of (i) the second simple interferometric fringe signal, and (ii) one of said first, second and third thermal emission image signals. Preferably, a plurality of different compound interferometric fringe signals are formed. As noted, the formation/use of one or more compound interferometric fringe signals in image formation facilitates the use of a sparse aperture arrangement.

[0022] In another aspect the inventive method may provide for (i) collecting thermal radiation at the collection antennas over a predetermined frequency bandwidth of about 1 MHz to 1 GHz, and (ii) positioning at least two of the collection antennas to define an angle of at least about 2° between their respective center imaging axes (e.g., to define a near-field imaging arrangement). Further, for at least a first interferometric image signal, and more preferably for each given one of a plurality of interferometric fringe signals (e.g., simple and/or compound), the inventive method may include the step of applying a different matched filter corresponding with each of a plurality of pixel locations to interferometric signal data to extract a plurality of pixel values (e.g., complex values or real amplitude values) corresponding with each of said plurality of image pixel locations. Then, for each interferometric fringe signal employed, the inventive method may include the step of combining the pixel values corresponding with each of the plurality of pixel locations (e.g., summing) and utilizing the combined pixel values to obtain an interferometric image signal employable in the formation of the pixel image of the ROI. Where matched filtering is applied to a plurality of different interferometric fringe signals, the resultant plurality of interferometric images signals may be merged to yield the ROI pixel image. By way of example, such merging may provide for the averaging or weighted averaging of the different interferometric images in generating the ROI pixel image.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art after consideration of the further description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 illustrates one system embodiment of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 2 illustrates satellite ranges for the system embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a processor means embodiment employable in the system of FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a process diagram showing steps employable in the system embodiment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system embodiment 10 of the present invention. System 10 includes four space vehicles 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d, each having a collection antenna 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d mounted thereupon for receipt of thermal radiation emitted from a region of interest (ROI) on a planetary surface (e.g., within a circular access region). In the latter regard, antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d should be provided for operation in a spotlight mode, e.g., wherein the antennas are gimbaled relative to the space vehicles to maintain a substantially common footprint over the ROI during imaging operations. The exemplary system 10 further includes a communications space vehicle 30 and ground station 32 for the transmission of control information and/or downloading of thermal emission data collected by antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d.

[0029] In the latter regard, exemplary system 10 may be provided so that thermal emission data collected at space vehicles 20 b, 20 c and 20 d may be relayed to space vehicle 20 a for downloading via a communications antenna 24 a to ground station 32 and subsequent processing for image formation. In alternate arrangements, the data may be uploaded to and at least partially processed at communications space vehicle 30, then downloaded to ground station 32 for further processing. In yet another arrangement, each of the space vehicles 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d may directly transmit the corresponding collected data for processing at the communications space vehicle 30 and/or ground station 32.

[0030] Space vehicles 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d may be located in known relative positions for imaging. By way of primary example, space vehicles 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d may comprise four satellites in a known constellation. That is, the satellites may be disposed in closely-related and repeatable orbits, wherein at least two of the satellites are horizontally offset and at least two of the satellites are vertically offset in a known geometry during imaging. Such horizontal and vertical spacing is preferred so that a predetermined resolution can be achieved with antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d collectively defining a sparse aperture arrangement. More particularly, such arrangement allows four sets of thermal emission data collected by antennas 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d to be processed in various combinations (e.g., six different simple combinations of two), wherein each combination yields a different interferometric phase measurement based upon a corresponding different baseline.

[0031] For example, FIG. 2 illustrates satellites 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d in an arrangement in which antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, and 22 d are disposed at corresponding ranges RI, R2, R3 and R4 relative to an ROI center point along their respective center imaging axes. By way of example, range differences between R1 and R2, R2 and R3, and R3 and R4 yield corresponding different baselines ΔR_(1,2), ΔR_(2,3) and ΔR_(3,4) for purposes of interferometric measurements. Similarly, range differences between R1 and R3, R1 and R4, and R2 and R4 yield additional different baselines for interferometric measurements.

[0032] In addition to the noted vertical/horizontal spacing, space vehicles 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d may also be positioned to define a near-field imaging arrangement. That is, and referring again to FIG. 2, space vehicles 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d may be positioned so that the imaging center axes for at least two of the antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and/or 22 d define an angle θ of at least about 2° therebetween, preferably 2° and 15° therebetween, and most preferably between about 6° to 10° therebetween. Relatedly, the antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d may be provided to collect radiation over a bandwidth of about 1 MHz to 1 GHz with a center frequency of about 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Further, in earth-imaging applications, space vehicles 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d may be preferably positioned at elevations of no more than about 600 nmi, and most preferably between about 200 nmi and 500 nmi relative to a ROI.

[0033] In one configuration, four satellites may be located in low-earth orbits of about 400 nmi. To do so, the satellites may be carried by a single launch vehicle to a predetermined orbital altitude, then deployed from the launch vehicle. In turn, thrusters on the satellites may be utilized as needed to define a known constellation with use of an on-board positioning system (e.g., a system referenced to the Global Positioning System (GPS)). By way of example, the satellites may be positioned to laterally define a Y-shaped constellation relative to the earth surface. In such an arrangement, the satellites may be located in orbits that yield satellite spacings of between about 60 nmi and 120 nmi.

[0034] During imaging, antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d may be controlled to substantially simultaneously collect thermal radiation emitted from the ROI over a common, predetermined dwell period. Further, and as previously noted, antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d may be provided to collect radiation in a spotlight mode over a collection bandwidth of between about 1 MHz and 1 GHz, with a center frequency of between about 1 GHz and 100 GHz. In turn, the collected radiation may be sampled/digitized at antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d (e.g., at a rate of between about 1.2 MHz and 1.2 GHz) for on-board thermal emission data storage on space vehicles 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d, and subsequent downloading/processing for image formation purposes.

[0035] In the latter regard, reference is now made to FIG. 3 which schematically illustrates a processing means embodiment 100 employable in system 10. In the illustrated embodiment 100, the digitized thermal emission signals collected by antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d may be introduced for signal processing via corresponding channels 110 a, 110 b, 110 c and 110 d. More particularly, the collected thermal emission signals 112 a, 112 b, 112 c and 112 d may be characterized as a function of time (t) as follows:

S ₁(t)=a(t)ej(ω(t−R1/c)+φ(t))

S ₂(t)=a(t)ej(ω(t−R2/c)+φ(t))

S ₃(t)=a(t)ej(ω(t−R3/c)+φ(t)), and

S ₄(t)=a(t)ej(ω(t−R4/c)+φ(t)), respectively;

[0036] wherein a(t) defines the random amplitude and φ(t) defines the random phase of thermal emissions from a ROI, and wherein ω is the radio frequency within the operating band of the antennas 22 a-22 d and c is the speed of light.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the thermal emission signals 112 a, 112 b, 112 c and 112 d in channels 110 a, 110 b, 110 c and 110 d may be combined in differing permutations, or sets, of two at combiners 120 a-120 f to obtain interferometric phase differences therebetween. That is, combiners 120 a-120 f may provide for the mixing of corresponding data samples comprising two different thermal emission signals introduced via channels 120 a, 120 b, 120 c, and 120 d to obtain combined, or simple interferometric fringe signals 122 a-122 f. While not shown, the data comprising one signal of any given pair of signals 112 a, 112 b, 112 c and 112 d to be combined may be time-shifted in relation to the other signal to ensure mutual coherence. In one arrangement signal mixing at combiners 120 a-120 f may be achieved via multiplication of one thermal emission signal by the complex conjugate of another thermal emission signal. By way of example, when the signals on channels 10 a and 110 b are multiplied and the signals on channels 110 c and 110 d are multiplied, the resultant simple interferometric fringe signals 122 a and 122 f, respectively, may be characterized as follows:

S _(1,2)(t)=S ₁(t)·S ₂(t)*=a ²(t)e ^(jω(R2−R1)/c); and

S _(3,4)(t)=S ₃(t)·S ₄(t)*=a ²(t)e ^(jω(R3−R4)/c);

[0038] wherein “*” denotes the complex conjugate.

[0039] As may be appreciated, each combined signal 122 a-122 f may define a time-varying interference pattern, or simple fringe phase function, over an ROI. For example, the simple fringe phase functions corresponding with the signals S_(1,2)(t) and S_(3,4)(t) noted above may be characterized as follows:

φ_(1,2)(t)=2π(R2(t)−R1(t))/λ; and

φ_(3,4)(t)=2π(R4(t)−R3(t))/λ.

[0040] In the noted arrangement, multiplication of the various thermal emission signals 112 a, 112 b, 112 c and 112 d at combiners 120 a-120 f will result in simple interferometric fringe signals 122 a-122 f, each having a doubled bandwidth relative to that of the thermal emission signals introduced to the combiners 120 a-120 f. As such, in order to maintain Nyquist integrity, and depending upon the radiation frequency collected and sampling rate at antennas 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d, processor means embodiment 100 may further provide for the “up-sampling” of the thermal emission signals 112 a-112 d (not shown) prior to signal combining at combiners 120 a-120 f. Such up-sampling may be implemented via software functionality that provides for the interpolation of successive data values comprising signals 12 a-112 d to increase the number of data values for further processing. After signal combining at combiners 120 a-120 f, the resultant simple interferometric fringe signals 122 a-122 f may be low-pass filtered at filters 130 a-130 f (e.g., at a frequency of about 1 MHz or less) so as to remove high frequency components and otherwise yield signal averaging. In the latter regard, such averaging serves to effectively remove amplitude randomness from the collected thermal emissions.

[0041] As further illustrated by FIG. 3, the averaged simple interferometric fringe signals 132 a-132 f may be further combined in differing permutations, or sets, of two at combiners 140 a-140 o to obtain compound interferometric fringe signals 142 a-142 o. In particular, combiners 140 a-140 o may provide for the mixing of corresponding data values comprising two different averaged simple interferometric fringe signals 132 a-132 f (e.g., via multiplication), wherein each combination will further define a time-varying interference pattern or compound fringe phase function, over an ROI. By way of example, the compound fringe phase function corresponding with multiplication of the simple interferometric fringe signals S_(1,2)(t) and S_(3,4)(t) noted above may be characterized as follows:

φ_(1,2,3,4)(t)=φ_(1,2)(t)φ_(3,4)(t)=2π(R1(t)−R2(t)−R4(t)+R3(t))/λ.

[0042] As may be appreciated, when combiners 140 a-140 o provide for multiplication of averaged simple fringe signals 132 a-132 f there will be a resultant doubling of bandwidth. As such, the down-sampling frequency at filters 130 a-130 f may be set to preserve Nyquist integrity at combiners 140 a-140 f. Although not shown in FIG. 3, it should also be noted that the formation of compound fringes at mixers 140 a-140 o may alternately and/or additionally be obtained by the mixing of any one of the thermal emission image signals 112 a, 112 b, 112 c or 112 d with any one of the simple interferometric fringe signals 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d, 122 e and/or 122 f.

[0043] Following formation of the compound interferometric fringe signals 142 a-142 o, the illustrated processing means embodiment 100 provides for the application of matched filters 150 a-150 o to yield compound signals 152 a-152 o. More particularly, a separate matched filter corresponding with each of a plurality of pixel locations (e.g., corresponding with the ROI pixel image to be formed) may be applied to each of the data values comprising each of the compound interferometric fringe signals 142 a-142 o to extract pixel values (e.g., amplitude-containing values) therefrom (e.g., via a simple dot product operation).

[0044] In this regard, matched filters 150 a-150 o may be developed on a per pixel location basis in relation to the imaged ROI and the particular combination of averaged simple interferometric fringe signals 132 a-132 o and/or thermal emission signals 112 a-112 d combined at combiners 140 a-140 b. Each such matched filter may effectively define the predicted interferometic phase difference, or interferometric phase function, for the given pixel location and the given combination of thermal emission signals 112 a-112 d and/or averaged simple interferometric fringe signals 122 a-122 o mixed for interferometric image formation. As will be appreciated, such matched filters may be based on known geometries between each of the antennas 122 a, 122 b, 122 c and 122 d, in relation to the ROI, together with terrain data (e.g., elevation data) for the ROI. Such terrain data may be predetermined and/or otherwise derived on a dynamic basis from the complex image signals 112 a, 112 b, 112 c and 112 d (e.g., via a split aperture/auto-focus technique).

[0045] Pursuant to or in conjunction with the application of matched filters 150 a-150 o, the resultant compound signals 152 a-152 o may be further processed by integration modules 160 a-160 o to obtain integrated interferometric image signals 162 a-162 o. In this regard, modules 160 a-160 o provide for integration (e.g., summation) of the extracted pixel values corresponding with each given pixel location corresponding with the ROI pixel image to be formed. In turn, the integrated pixel values comprising each of the integrated interferometric image signals 162 a-162 o combinatively define a corresponding interferometric image for use in ROI pixel image formation.

[0046] That is, each of the integrated interferometric image signals 162 a-162 o may be merged at merge module 170 to yield a composite interferometic image, or thermal image, of the ROI. In this regard, the integrated interferometric image signals 162 a-162 o may be simply averaged at module 170. Alternatively, module 170 may provide for weighted averaging of the signals 162 a-162 o, wherein the signals 162 a-162 o are weighted in a predetermined manner. A third alternative at module 170 may provide for complex summation of data comprising signals 162 a-162 o.

[0047] Operation of the system embodiment 10 described above will now be briefly summarized with reference to FIG. 4. Initially, thermal emissions from an ROI may be collected and sampled at a plurality of antennas to obtain a corresponding plurality of thermal emission signals (Step 200). In relation to the above-described embodiment, antennas 22 a-22 d located on corresponding satellites 20 a-20 d may be employed in a spotlight mode. As previously indicated, the satellites 20 a-20 d may be located so that antennas 22 a-22 d are disposed in a near field imaging arrangement and so that the antennas 22 a-22 d collectively define a sparse aperture.

[0048] Following obtainment of a plurality of thermal emission signals, at least one and preferably a plurality of simple interferometric fringe signals may be formed (Step 202). In relation to the above-described embodiment, thermal emission signals 112 a-112 d may be multiplied at combiners 120 a-120 f to form simple interferometric fringe signals 122 a-122 f.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the simple interferometric fringe signal(s) may be utilized to form a pixel image of the region of interest (Step 204). In particular, the simple interferometric fringe signal(s) may be filtered (Step 206) in order to remove high-frequency components and correspondingly average each of the signal. In relation to the above-described embodiment, low-pass filters 130 a-130 f may be utilized for such signal averaging.

[0050] Then, at least two averaged simple interferometric fringe signals may be combined to obtain at least one compound interferometric fringe signal (Step 208). In relation to the above-described processing embodiment, the formation of compound interferometric fringe signal(s) 142 a-142 o may entail the multiplication of averaged simple interferometric fringe signals 132 a-132 f at combiners 140 a-140 o. As will be appreciated multiple successive levels of compound fringe signals may be formed from compound fringe signals formed in a preceding stage.

[0051] Following the formation of the compound interferometric fringe signal(s), pixel values may be extracted therefrom for each of a plurality of pixel locations (Step 210). Such pixel locations correspond with the ROI pixel image to be formed. As will be appreciated, the extracted pixel values may be utilized to generate a pixel image (Step 212). In this regard, the extracted pixel values for each given interferometric fringe signal may be combined to generate a corresponding interferometric image or image signal. In turn, such interferometric image(s) may be employed to generate an ROI pixel image.

[0052] As noted in FIG. 4, the extraction of pixel values from the interferometric fringe signals may entail the development of matched filters for each of a plurality of pixel locations in corresponding relation to each given interferometric fringe signal employed for image formation (Step 214). In turn, such matched filters may be applied in corresponding relation to each interferometric fringe signal on a pixel location-specific basis (Step 216). In relation to the above-described embodiment, matched filters 150 a-150 o may be employed for pixel value extraction. Then, for each resultant signal 152 a-152 o the extracted pixel values for each given pixel location may be integrated at integration modules 160 a-160 d to yield corresponding interferometric image signals 162 a-162 o. In turn, signals 162 a-162 o may be merged at module 170 for pixel image formation.

[0053] The embodiment descriptions provided above are for exemplary purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various adaptations, modifications and extensions of the described arrangements will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims which follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for obtaining a pixel image of a planetary surface region of interest, comprising: collecting thermal radiation emissions from a planetary surface region of interest (ROI) by a plurality of spaced antennas to obtain a corresponding plurality of thermal emission signals; first combining a first thermal emission signal with a complex conjugate of a second thermal emission signal to obtain a first simple interferometric fringe signal; and, second combining said first simple interferometric fringe signal with another signal for said ROI to obtain at least a first compound interferometric fringe signal employable in the formation of a pixel image of the ROI.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein: said first combining step further includes combining one of said first and second thermal emission signals with a complex conjugate of a third thermal emission signal to obtain a second simple interferometric fringe signal; and, said another signal is one of (i) said second simple interferometric fringe signal, and (ii) one of said first, second and third thermal emission signals.
 3. A method as recited in claim 2, wherein: said first combining step further includes combining said second thermal emission signal with said complex conjugate of said third thermal emission signal to obtain a third simple interferometric fringe signal; said second combining step further includes combining said second simple interferometric fringe signal with one of (i) said third simple interferometric fringe signal, and (ii) one of said first, second and third thermal emission signals, to obtain a second compound interferometric fringe signal; and, merging said first and second compound interferometric fringe signals to obtain said pixel image of said ROI.
 4. A method as recited in claim 1, further including: extracting at least one pixel value for each of a plurality of pixel locations from said first compound interferometric fringe signal for use in formation of said pixel image of the ROI.
 5. A method as recited in claim 4, wherein center imaging axes for at least two of said plurality of spaced antennas define an angle of at least about 2° therebetween, and wherein said plurality of antennas collect said thermal radiation emissions over a bandwidth of about 1 MHz to 1 GHz.
 6. A method as recited in claim 4, wherein said extracting step includes: applying a different matched filter in corresponding relation to each of said plurality of pixel locations to obtain a plurality of said amplitude components corresponding with each of said pixel locations.
 7. A method as recited in claim 6, wherein the method further includes: combining said pixel value corresponding with each given one of said plurality of pixel locations for said first compound interferometric image signal to obtain a first integrated compound interferometric fringe signal.
 8. A method as recited in claim 1, further including: filtering said first simple interferometric fringe signal to obtain an average signal for use in said second combining step.
 9. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of spaced antennas are positioned on a corresponding plurality of satellites located in a known constellation; and wherein at least two of said plurality of satellites are horizontally offset and at least two of said plurality of satellites are vertically offset for imaging said ROI.
 10. A system for obtaining an image of a region of interest, comprising: a plurality of space vehicles located in known relative positions over a planetary surface region of interest (ROI); a plurality of antennas, each located on a different one of said plurality of space vehicles for collecting radiation from said planetary surface region of interest and providing a thermal emission signal in response thereto; and, processor means for combining a first thermal emission signal with a complex conjugate of a second thermal emission signal to obtain a first simple interferometric fringe signal and for using said first simple interferometric fringe signal and at least one other signal for said ROI to obtain a compound interferometric fringe signal employable in the formation of a pixel image of said ROI.
 11. A system as recited in claim 10, wherein said processor means is operable to combine one of said first and second thermal emission signals with a complex conjugate of a third thermal emission signal to obtain a second simple interferometric fringe signal, and wherein said another thermal emission signal is one of (i) said second simple interferometric fringe signal, and (ii) one of said first, second and third thermal emission signals.
 12. A system as recited in claim 10, wherein said plurality of space vehicles are defined by a corresponding plurality of satellites located in a known constellation.
 13. A system as recited claim 12, wherein at least two of said plurality of satellites are horizontally offset and at least two of said plurality of satellites are vertically offset for ROI imaging.
 14. A system as recited in claim 10, wherein center imaging axes for at least two of said plurality of antennas define an angle of at least about 2° therebetween, and wherein said plurality of antennas collect said thermal radiation emissions over a bandwidth of about 1 MHz to 1 GHz.
 15. A system as recited in claim 14, wherein said plurality of space vehicles are defined by a corresponding plurality of satellites located in earth orbits.
 16. A system as recited in claim 14, wherein said plurality of space vehicles are positioned so that said corresponding plurality of antennas are located at different distances from said ROI as measured along their respective center imaging axes.
 17. A system as recited in claim 16, wherein said processor means is operable to extract pixel values from at least one of said simple interferometric fringe signal and said compound interferometric fringe data signal, wherein said extracted pixel values are employable by said processor to form said pixel image of said ROI.
 18. A system as recited in claim 17, wherein said processor means is operable to apply a different matched filter corresponding with each of a plurality of pixel locations to at least one of said simple interferometric fringe signal and said compound interferometric fringe signal and to combine the extracted pixel values corresponding with each of said pixel locations.
 19. A system as recited in claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said processor means is remotely located relative to said plurality of space vehicles. 